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She watched with wide eyes as a scene beyond her wildest expectations played out before her.
Countless times, she had visited this realm: the world between life and death. She had seen many souls who were reluctant to depart, most of them for selfish reasons. They would cry and wail, and some would even beg her to send them back to the world of the living, something that was beyond even her abilities.
But this… this was completely different.
She hadn't once complained about the lot she had drawn, and he had seen her off with strength and honor.
Something about their selfless, loving farewell touched a corner of that girl's heart in a way nothing else had since her childhood, perhaps ever.
For that reason, she struggled mightily to maintain her composure as thousands of pale, glowing blue butterflies filled the night sky.
It simply wasn't fair. Fate was too cruel. How could something so beautiful end like this?
Hu Tao was frustrated like never before, as something stirred deep inside her chest.
That night, as she returned to the Parlor, she felt a nagging, nebulous longing that she couldn't explain. How many times had she told her clients to embrace their short lives, and live them to the fullest? Yet now, when compared to what she had just witnessed, her own way of living felt dreadfully inept.
This frustration lingered, and she found herself sitting in the waiting room of Wangsheng, subconsciously hoping that a certain someone would return.
And before long, her unspoken wish was granted.
A tall, dark-haired man strolled through the front door. As he scanned the room, he noticed the young lady sitting by herself in the quiet, empty waiting room.
"Ah, there you are. I heard from that young man… it seems things went well."
"Yeah, she passed on without any issues."
"I'm certainly glad to hear that. I hope that young man can find happiness from now on," he replied with a soft look in his usually-strict eyes.
Hu Tao didn't answer immediately, her face looking somewhat downcast. She looked up at Zhongli as he sat down across from her at the low table inside the waiting room.
"Zhongli, why do things like this have to happen?"
"Excuse me?"
"That was just so cruel… no, never mind. Forget it."
Zhongli raised an eyebrow at her strange words.
"You feeling alright? It is far from typical for you to get emotional about a job."
Hu Tao quickly chuckled and put a hand behind her head, grinning. But after a few seconds, her face became serious again.
"It seems like I have a lot to think about now. After seeing how those two lived… I don't know, it's frustrating somehow!"
Zhongli smiled generously.
"I think I understand. I grew rather fond of those two myself. They truly had something special."
"Right, Right! Dammit, I can't believe I cried during a job! It's so embarrassing, I hope he didn't notice!"
"Well, an empathetic spirit is good in situations like those. But really, you cried? I'm almost upset that I missed such a monumental event."
Hu Tao glared at the suspicious old man sitting across from her.
"I want to comment on that, but I won't."
"Oh? No need to hold back," Zhongli said, grinning.
"Putting that aside, I just don't get it. How does love like that even happen?" she continued on, with a finger on her chin.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, they were so close it was almost like they were one. I've never felt anything like that…"
Zhongli sighed, crossed his legs, and sat back, making himself more comfortable.
"Love can't be put in a box, Director. It does as it pleases."
"Hearing you say that just feels wrong for some reason, Mr. Zhongli…" she said, making a sour face.
"Even someone like me has felt love before, I must inform you. Though it has been quite a while, I can still empathize with it."
"Hooooooh? Tell me, tell me~!"
"No, I'd prefer not to dredge up ancient history, young lady."
"Boo. Thought I was going to hear something interesting," Hu Tao said in annoyance.
Zhongli smiled wistfully, then spoke up again, expertly guiding the conversation back on track.
"Perhaps, deep down, you desire to know what love feels like?"
"Wha-?!" Hu Tao sputtered, as a trace of crimson appeared on her cheeks.
"What seems to be the problem, Director? Envy is a perfectly normal reaction."
"N-Nothing! Geez, stop saying weird things, you creepy old man!"
In response, there was an almost-visible question mark hovering over Zhongli's head.
"Well, in any case, I would never recommend against finding love. You're still young, but with your job… well…" he trailed off mercifully, but the damage was already done.
"Grr…" Hu Tao growled like an angry chihuahua.
"My apologies. I'm sure I'm wrong. Even though you're a funeral Director, you're still a beautiful young lady. I'm sure love will come your way some day."
Zhongli flashed her a warm grin, and stood.
"Now, it's time I head home. Work shall come early for the both of us."
With a casual wave, he turned and slipped through the door into the night, before she could even respond.
In the quiet room he left behind, Hu Tao placed her hand over her chest, feeling her heart racing faster than she could ever recall. Her face was flushed, her breaths were shallow, and her mind was in shambles. One thought rose above the variety of others swirling about inside her head.
What the hell is happening to me?!
The next morning, Zhongli showed up at the Parlor at the usual time, ready to start another day of work. After a quiet morning, a customer showed up before noon. Zhongli heard the bell, and stepped into the main room to check things out. An elderly lady sat in the waiting room, with Hu Tao nearby.
Seems like she has it under control, he thought.
The ex-Archon strolled through the entrance room of the Parlor, watching the faces of the two sitting nearby. Over the centuries, he had become incredibly keen at reading people, and right now, he felt something amiss with the young Director.
Her usual professional vibe wasn't as sharp today. It was subtle, and very few people would have even noticed it, but she wasn't herself.
"Hm," Zhongli mused.
He left the room, heading to the break room to brew up some tea.
Come to think of it, she was acting a little strange last night, too. Wait, she is a young girl… is it that time?
Just then, he heard a loud sneeze from down the hall, then an apology from the girl in question.
Around fifteen minutes later, Zhongli appeared in the small waiting room that extended to the side of the main entrance room at Wangsheng. His timing was perfect, as the elderly lady had just left, but Hu Tao was still sitting on the sofa, her hand on her chin.
Zhongli sat down across from her again, placing a small tea cup in front of her. She looked up, then smiled.
"Oh, thanks! My throat was getting dry from all that talking."
"Of course. So, what was her story?"
Hu Tao sighed.
"Her husband just passed away. It seems he had a heart attack while working in their garden, and their grandchildren found him while playing outside."
"I see… that is quite a shame."
"Mm. She wants us to perform his funeral. It'll be the day after tomorrow."
Zhongli leaned back, sipping his hot tea thoughtfully.
"As always, death waits for no one. I only hope he had no regrets before leaving this world."
Hu Tao was silent, her head down. Zhongli couldn't help but notice, and his curiosity was too high to not ask.
"Forgive me if I'm being brash, but it seems like you aren't yourself today. Is everything alright, Director?"
Hu Tao looked up, her star-shaped pupils a bit larger than normal. Then, she sighed deeply.
"Was it really that obvious?"
"Well, to me, it was," Zhongli said with a chuckle.
"Sorry. I just have… something on my mind."
"I see. I won't pry, but I'm always willing to lend an ear."
Hu Tao smiled gently at the old man.
"Thanks, Mr. Zhongli."
He sat up, putting his finger and thumb on his chin.
"Hmm, come to think of it, it is almost time for luncheon. Perhaps a hearty meal would help you cheer up?"
"Um, sure. I'm getting pretty hungry."
"Then let us go. Meng, if anything happens, we will be at Liuli Pavilion."
"Y-Yes sir!"
Hu Tao's eyes were wide again.
"Wha- Ehhhhh?"
"Are you sure about this?" Hu Tao asked again as the pair stood in line at Liuli.
Zhongli sighed, exasperated by the young girl.
"I'm certain. Don't worry about the cost. Today is my treat for our lovely Director."
"L-Lo- …Fine."
After a short wait, the two finally were seated at a table for two by the window, overlooking the bustling harbor below.
"What can I get for you two today?" the waitress asked gracefully.
"Hmm, let's see. I believe I will have the Stir-Fried Fillet," Zhongli spoke up first.
"Stir-Fried Fish Noodles, please~!" Hu Tao said in a sing-song voice.
"Ah, matching dishes. As you wish," the waitress bowed, and quickly left.
Zhongli nodded politely, then turned to the young girl across from him.
"I didn't realize you looked up to me that much," he chuckled.
"You wish I did! I just love fish, that's all!"
Zhongli smiled as she spoke in her typical teasing voice. It seemed his plan had worked so far.
They shared small talk as they waited for their food to arrive. When it did, they both dug in. Of course, it was delicious as always.
"Mmm! My taste buds are smiling!" Hu Tao squealed.
"Now now, try not to be too distracting, Director."
In response, she stuck her tongue out at Zhongli.
"Don't be such a downer, you old coot!"
"Old…?"
"Oh, and stop calling me "Director" all the time. I'm Hu Tao. Hu. Tao."
Her white teeth sparkled in a cheeky grin, and Zhongli couldn't help but smile.
"Alright, Hu Tao. I'm certainly glad you're looking lively again."
"Mm. Thanks for the meal! Though, this almost feels like a…"
Zhongli raised an eyebrow as the girl trailed off, then squeaked out one word.
"…date."
"Nonsense. This is strictly business, young lady."
"Hahaha, of course, of course!"
But in that moment, something stung a bit inside her chest.
"Hey, Mr. Zhongli… what if this really was a date?"
"Hm? That's quite the odd question," he mused, looking across the table at her.
She was staring at him with upturned eyes, looking unusually serious.
"I suppose if it was a date, I'd be quite honored to spend it with such a charming girl," he said effortlessly, with one hand on his chin.
"Huh? Wha-?"
Hu Tao's face was very red. She blushed furiously, avoiding Zhongli's earnest, sharp gaze.
"Did I say something wrong?" he queried.
"N-No, you didn't…"
The two were quiet for a while. Zhongli wasn't certain what was bothering her, but it seemed he had stepped on some sort of land mine.
"Mr. Zhongli, I-"
"We should be going. Meng is probably waiting for us," he interrupted her inaudible whisper, standing to his feet.
"Ah… Right. We should," she said, with a disappointed tone.
As she followed that tall, mysterious man back to Wangsheng, her chest ached. When he looked at her and said those words… she felt something undeniable. Now, staring at his broad shoulders, she knew where her longing was aimed. It wasn't something she could ignore any longer.
Zhongli was lost in his thoughts as well. He was far from some naive old man, and he was starting to get the picture here. However, he wasn't quite willing to instigate anything with that girl. Putting aside the huge age difference, she was his co-worker, and a precious friend that he cared for deeply. This flight of fancy would surely end, and things would go back to normal. That was his honest belief.
However…
For almost a week, things were awkward as hell between the two co-workers. Hu Tao would scurry away every time she saw him, making excuses every time.
Of course, Zhongli knew the reason for this. He was starting to think he'd have to put an end to it himself, since even the air-headed Meng had noticed something wasn't right.
Like this, those days droned on, until one orange evening, things reached a tipping point.
Zhongli had just finished sweeping the entrance room of the Parlor, and was preparing to leave, when he heard small footsteps coming down the hall.
He turned around to see Hu Tao walking somewhat hesitantly toward him.
"Ah, Director. I'm almost finished here. Good work today."
"Yeah, same to you," she said, giving him a small smile.
Zhongli realized that this would be a perfect time to settle things with her. No one else was still there, and the moment felt right. But just as he decided on what he would say to her, she spoke up first.
"Hey, can I ask a favor of you?" she said, looking down at her feet.
"Hm, as long as it is something I can do."
"It definitely is. I- …can you stay here tonight?"
"Huh?"
Zhongli's face showed genuine surprise. His sharp eyes were wider than normal, and his mouth hung open.
And just then, Hu Tao snickered.
"Pff, ahahah! You should see your face!"
The Director almost fell over, holding her knees in mirth.
Zhongli was slightly annoyed, but took it gracefully.
"I'm glad to see you can still joke around, Hu Tao. It's about time for me to head home, though."
"Ah, wait! Don't go yet. Speaking of which, where is your home anyway?"
"No need to worry about trifling matters. What did you need, young lady?"
"…Please don't call me that, it sounds so impersonal…" she muttered quietly.
"Hm?"
"I was serious about you staying, you know?"
"Enough of the jokes. You've had your fun," Zhongli said somewhat sternly.
But in response, her pretty pupils focused on him intently - seriously - and she spoke up again.
"I mean it. I've been really lonely at night lately…"
Zhongli sighed deeply, putting his hand on his forehead.
"Still, this isn't appropriate."
"Why not? I'm the Director, not you," she grinned. "Or were you thinking dirty thoughts?"
"Look, Hu Tao. I am a man. There's a limit to how careless you should be around me."
"Oh hush, shut it! Just come in already~!" she shouted, pushing Zhongli towards the staircase at the back of the hall that led to Hu Tao's private quarters.
Upon reluctantly climbing the stairs, he found the second floor to be quite spacious. Despite his years of working in this building, he hadn't spent much time up here. It felt mysterious.
"Like what you see?" she said, grinning.
"It indeed is a cozy place."
"Thanks, I decorated it myself!"
Hu Tao gave him a short tour of her home, before leading him back to the living room.
Zhongli took a seat at a low table in the middle of the room, crossing his legs.
"You hungry? I can cook us something for dinner," Hu Tao continued.
Zhongli's face went white as a ghost as he remembered a memory he'd rather forget.
"Perhaps we should eat at a restaurant instead?"
The girl poked out her lip, pouting.
"I've been trying real hard to get better at it, you know? Pleeease~?"
"Fine. But I'll have to ask you not to prepare anything with seafood in it."
"How about Perch Stew?"
"That would be fine."
"Yay~! Wait here, it won't take long!"
Hu Tao rushed to the kitchen and donned an apron that had a few too many burn marks on it. Then, she set out to prepare their dinner.
Zhongli watched her from behind, strangely entranced by the sight. Upon realizing where his thoughts were drifting, he shook his head and looked away. A former god shouldn't be having thoughts like that, after all.
Almost exactly thirty minutes later, two bowls of Black-Back Perch Stew were sitting at the low table. Hu Tao poured tea for the both of them, then took a seat.
"Let's eat!"
Zhongli reached down with his chopsticks, picking up a portion, and raised it to his lips. Swallowing his fear, he put it in his mouth and chewed.
"Mmh, not bad," he muttered.
It was very spicy, and the fish was a little over-cooked, but it was certainly edible.
"Hehe, thanks~!"
The two finished their meal in relative silence, as the weight of what they were doing started to set in.
This is the opposite of what I planned to do today, what am I even doing? Zhongli mused.
But when he saw the carefree smile on Hu Tao's face, he couldn't bring himself to shoot her down just yet. Something about this scene just felt natural, peaceful. When he realized that, the awkwardness faded into background noise.
"Ahhh!" Hu Tao groaned as she stretched her arms behind her head. "I need a bath. Wanna go first?"
"No, that won't be necessary," Zhongli replied evenly.
"Boo. Have it your way then."
With that, she stood, taking the empty plates to the kitchen. Then, she headed towards the hallway leading to the bedrooms and bathroom.
"Make yourself comfortable!"
Like that, with a cheerful wave, she disappeared.
Zhongli held his chin in his right hand as the sound of running water came from down the hall. He found his mind drifting to thoughts of her, and what she was doing.
He could feel himself changing even at that moment. The way he looked at her was already noticeably different than before, and if the trend continued, he wasn't sure where things would end. No, with thousands of years of experience watching people's lives, he probably knew exactly where it would end.
"Maybe I should just leave right now," he muttered.
Eventually, though he decided against that. As the night sky grew darker outside, Zhongli stood, and made his way down the hall to the guest room on the left, which was furnished with a small bed. He sat down on it, then reclined, making himself comfortable.
I'll just pretend to be asleep.
He knew this was a coward's way out, but he couldn't bring himself to leave, and yet, he didn't want to give that girl any false hopes.
Right, this is only logical.
Around an hour later, he heard the bathroom door slowly open, and quiet footsteps passed his room. They stopped in the living room, then started coming back.
Through his mostly-closed eyes, he saw her appear in the doorway. She was dressed in a tank-top and shorts, and her long, still-damp hair was down.
Ah, she really was a beautiful young woman after all.
"Dammit, I wanted him to sleep in my bed," she muttered under her breath.
It was all he could do to keep a straight face. Mercifully, after what felt like ages, she left the doorway.
Zhongli let out a deep breath, and this time, decided to go to sleep for real.
But sleep didn't come easy for a mind as active as his. He felt annoyed at himself more than anything. As old as he was, he shouldn't be bothered by clichéd situations like this one. As the clock on the wall neared eleven, he turned over for the thousandth time, trying to get some rest.
Just then, he heard a sound from the hall beyond his room. He went stiff as a board.
It was her again.
Still dressed in her rather-skimpy casual attire, she shuffled silently into the room, then sat in a chair near the guest bed. He dared not open his eyes far enough to tell what she was doing. But soon, that would become obvious.
"…Mr. Zhongli, I think I'm falling in love with you."
Her voice was quiet, yet steady, with no trace of joking to be found.
He remained silent, hoping she would believe his ruse.
"Hey, did you know? It really made my heart race when you treated me so kindly. That's why I've been avoiding you… I couldn't act normal around you anymore. I'm sorry."
Zhongli didn't move a muscle, despite the stirring in his chest.
"You're awake, aren't you?" she whispered.
He sighed, and she chuckled.
"I knew it. You're a bad actor."
"Not as bad as you. That speech you just gave was silly, even by an amateur novelist's standards."
Zhongli sat up against the backboard with a wry grin. But when he finally looked at Hu Tao's face, it wasn't what he expected at all.
She looked sad, hurt even.
"I wasn't joking. I meant every word," she said, looking down.
"Huh?"
Zhongli's face clearly showed his surprise.
"Even the part about me sleeping in your bed?"
"Especially that part! You're unfair~! I was going to ask you as soon as I got done bathing!"
"And you thought I would agree to such a thing?"
"…Probably not, but I wanted to ask, anyway."
She flashed a toothy grin at him.
"But that's fine, I'll just do this! Ei~!"
Before he could prepare himself, Hu Tao leapt onto the bed, wrapping her arms around his chest. The impact nearly knocked the breath out of him, and when he caught himself, she was already nuzzling her face into his chest.
"Now listen here…" he trailed off, not completing the thought.
"Nooope, not listening."
In truth, he found her antics adorable. It had been ages since he had felt the feelings that were washing over him now. But as the older one, and a former Archon, he couldn't just allow himself to get caught up in the moment. He had to set things straight.
"Hu Tao, are you absolutely certain about this? There's a lot of things you don't know. In fact, I'd venture to say you barely know me at all. It would be best for you to find someone more suitable, in my opinion."
Hu Tao looked up at him, then responded quietly.
"I knew that already. And still, I meant what I said. I can't help how I feel, and turning back now would be way too painful…"
"Dammit," he muttered, holding his head.
"Is the idea of being with me really that awful?" she asked, her voice rising at the end.
"No. In fact, it's probably more than I deserve."
"Then just go with it already!"
Zhongli's eyes grew wide as the Director raised her voice and closed her eyes, throwing a tantrum right there on the bed. She pouted and glared at him, then spoke up again, more quietly this time.
"It's like you said, love does as it pleases."
Zhongli gave her a half smile.
"Now who's being unfair?"
"It's still you, for trying to reject a lovely, sweet young lady's feelings. How brutish can you get?"
"Sorry. I'll try to be more careful from now on."
Zhongli's sarcastic response seemed to satisfy her, and she rolled off him, laying her head on the pillow beside him. He spoke up again once she was situated.
"Still, though, you certainly did decide quickly. I suppose this is what's been on your mind, huh?"
"Y-Yeah. It's just… I've never felt like this before. I couldn't believe it at first. But now I know for sure, I really do love you."
"You may come to regret this," he said sternly.
"I don't think so," she said, flashing him a tired grin.
In the quiet moment that followed, Zhongli studied every part of her face in the dim light. She was so pretty, he wondered how he had managed to spend this much time around her without becoming overly aware of it. He smiled gently at her as her eyes got more and more droopy.
"I'm getting sleepy…"
"It is getting quite late. Perhaps we should retire."
"Right. Goodnight, Mr. Zhongli."
Her tired, droopy eyes met his as they shared the pillow, then she moved closer.
Suddenly, Zhongli felt a warm, wet sensation on his lips. It wasn't a French kiss, or even a passionate one… she simply placed her lips on his with a tiny peck, then pulled back, grinning audaciously.
Why, then, did that kiss taste so sweet?
Zhongli pondered that as he watched her pretty eyelids draw shut. Within seconds, she was breathing peacefully in regular intervals.
"What am I going to do with you," he murmured, putting his left hand on top of her small head protectively.
"Sleep well, Hu Tao."
When the first rays of the morning sun fell upon her face, she awoke to a strangely spacious bed. It seemed her bedmate had already left.
"Ah…"
Without even realizing it, she let a disappointed sound escape from her lips. But soon, she noticed something else abnormal. A delicious smell was wafting down the hall from the kitchen.
Sleepily rubbing her eyes, she shuffled down the hallway.
Hearing footsteps approaching, Zhongli turned around to greet her.
"Good morning, Hu Tao. Did you sleep well?"
"Mhm. Morning…"
It was clear to Zhongli that she was still sleepy, and it was absolutely adorable.
"Hope you're hungry, I made breakfast. Go wash your face, then we can eat."
"Yeeeesss," she mumbled in a monotone.
After she left the room, a dark cloud came over Zhongli's face. He walked over to the window, staring out at the city that was just waking from its slumber.
Something isn't right.
When she returned, a hearty breakfast of fried eggs and hash browns was set out on the low table.
"Mondstadt food?" she queried.
"An old friend taught me how to make them."
The two shared a quiet breakfast together. Every once in a while, Zhongli caught her peeking at his face while she stuffed hers with hash browns. Finally, she spoke up.
"Hey, did I really k-kiss you last night?"
"Yes, you did."
"Ahhhhhhh~! I knew it!"
Zhongli grinned as the Director flailed around in embarrassment.
"Don't laugh!"
"There's nothing to be ashamed of, Hu Tao. Didn't you say "love does as it pleases"?"
"WAAAAAAaaaaaaaAAAAAA!"
Zhongli couldn't deny that this was fun. For someone of his age, precious few things were amusing anymore. He had seen generations pass in what felt like the blink of an eye. After centuries of watching humanity, it was hard not to simply divide them into categories, ignoring individuality, remaining at a distance. For that reason, among others, he had chosen to take on his current vessel - so he wouldn't completely lose touch with humanity.
But this girl was different.
Without even noticing, he had grown fond of her, even before things took a romantic turn. Now, he was growing incredibly attached to her (though he wouldn't tell her that). If nothing else, his human form had allowed this moment to take place, and that - by itself - made everything worth it.
He let out a dry chuckle, then smiled warmly at the girl before him.
"You can be honest about how you feel. I think I'd prefer it that way."
Hu Tao's eyes went wide, and she looked down with a small smile.
"…There you go again… making me fall for you… You'd better take responsibility for this!" she yelped, with fists clenched.
"Perhaps that wouldn't be so bad, no matter how cliché," he replied with a chuckle.
As the two basked in their affectionate feelings for one another, Zhongli suddenly felt a prick in the back of his mind.
"What in-"
Just then, the ground shook tremendously.
Dishes fell from the cabinets, and the whole building seemed to be made of gelatin for a moment. Then, a terrible, explosive roar filled the air.
"What's going on?!" Hu Tao screamed, leaping up from the table.
"Come on, we must get out of this building!"
Zhongli snatched her up in an instant, carrying her hurriedly down the stairs and out the front door of Wangsheng. What awaited them outside was unthinkable.
The sky was red, and the sun had gone dark. Beyond the mountains that cradled Liyue Harbor, a massive, flaming cloud was rising into the atmosphere. Strange red cubes began to swallow up buildings and mountains alike, as Teyvat reached its inevitable conclusion once again.
Zhongli's face fell.
So those dreams were true after all. Damn it. Why now, of all times?
He looked down at the scared girl in his arms. Her eyes were locked on his, and her face was pale.
"What… happened…?" she whispered fearfully.
"It seems we've run out of time," he muttered.
"What? What does that mean? Are we… are we going to die…?"
Zhongli closed his eyes. He didn't want to see her face when he spoke his next words.
"…I'm afraid so."
He desperately wished it wasn't true, but the feeling of déjà vu was so overwhelming that he knew there was no other possibility. Regret washed over him for a second, as he thought about the day he gave away his Gnosis. It certainly would have been a help now, if only to protect this beloved girl for a few minutes longer.
He finally opened his eyes again. Tears were streaming down Hu Tao's face as she grimaced in pain.
"After I finally realized how I felt… Fate is just too cruel…" she sobbed.
Zhongli set her feet on the ground, and she stood up shakily on her own. Then, he immediately wrapped her up in his arms.
"Hu Tao, thank you for loving me. I feel the same. You're incredibly precious to me."
Zhongli's right hand gripped the back of Hu Tao's head firmly, and his left arm wrapped around her back, drawing her as close as possible.
"I love you. Don't ever forget that, no matter where we end up next," he muttered in her ear.
In the final moments of that world, the two confirmed the truth of their growing feelings. Prematurely, that tender blossom was cut off, as it had been countless times before. No matter how strong their feelings were, it was always the same ending for them, every single time.
"I love you too… Morax…" she muttered, her voice barely audible above the din of panicked voices as the ground shook again.
The Geo Archon's eyes widened in shock at the name she had called.
"You… You knew?"
With teary eyes full of love, Hu Tao gently smiled at him, and her lips moved, enunciating words that only he could hear amidst the maelstrom.
And then, in an instant, the ancient city of Liyue Harbor was no more.
As ashes fell down like rain upon the lifeless landscape, time came to an end, then slowly rewound, circling back to that distant starting line once again - a world where their love had yet to even be imagined.
And when their very last moment played in reverse, her final words rang out, heralding a new beginning.